8 Historic Sites in NYC + My FAVORITE Dessert Shops Near Each One!
Any other history buffs out there?
Maybe it’s because I saw Hamilton last weekend, but I’ve been thinking a lot about the historic sites in NYC recently. And this might not be the first (or second or third) thing that comes to mind when you think about NYC, but the city is actually filled with some fascinating historic sites.
And guess what budget travelers, most of these historic attractions are free or cheap to visit. Who doesn’t love that? So if you are planning a trip and want to do something a little different and affordable, check out these historic sites in NYC.
You know what, as a bonus, I’ll even list my favorite treat shops close to each historic site. I know history isn’t everyone’s thing, but who can argue with dessert?
Teddy Roosevelt Birthplace
Teddy Roosevelt was the first US president to be born in NYC. Roosevelt, the 26th president, was raised in a townhouse on E 20th Street. Today, you can tour a replica of this brownstone which was rebuilt on the site of his original childhood home.
The only way to explore the home is to take a guided tour. Reservations are not accepted and you can only get a ticket by showing up in person the day of the tour. I’ve taken the tour twice and had no trouble getting a ticket for the day I wanted to go. Just show up early and be willing to take a tour later in the day if that is the only option.
The house is open Wednesday-Sunday and tours are offered at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm.
Favorite Dessert Shop Nearby: The City Bakery. Stop by here for some of NYC’s best hot chocolate. Just be warned, it is very thick and creamy so you might want to sit in the cafe and sip it for a while. Oh, and don’t skip on the house-made marshmallows.
Federal Hall
Federal Hall is a National Monument located on Wall Street. In the original building (located on the same spot) George Washington took the oath of office to become America’s first president. It also served as the meeting place of the Congress of the Confederation, which was the country’s first central government under the Articles of the Confederation.
Sadly, the building was demolished in 1812. But, the hall you can see today was rebuilt in 1842 to serve as the U.S. Customs House for New York. Today you can visit the building and tour an exhibit dedicated to George Washington’s Inauguration. You can even see the Bible he used during the ceremony.
Federal Hall is open Monday-Friday from 9 am- 5 pm. You can take a self-guided or ranger guided tour to learn more about the building’s interesting history.
Favorite Dessert Shop Nearby: Baked by Melissa. These bite-sized are almost too cute to eat. Almost. You can’t go wrong with any of their flavors but Cookie Dough and Triple Chocolate Fudge are two of my favorites.
Hamilton Grange
Can we talk about historic sites in NYC without mentioning Alexander Hamilton? No, I’m not talking about the Richard Rogers Theater here, but that will probably be designated as a National Historic Landmark someday.
Hamilton Grange is a house in Harlem that the founding father commissioned in 1802. Unfortunately, he only lived in the house for two years since he was killed in 1804 during a duel with Aaron Burr.
To visit the house, you need to sign up for a guided tour on-site. Reservations are not available online. And, of course, this has become a very popular attraction due to the success of Hamilton. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your desired tour to secure a spot.
The Grange is open Wednesday-Sunday. Ranger-guided tours are offered at 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm. Semi-self guided tours are available from 12:00 – 1:00 pm and 3:00 – 4:00 pm. You still need to sign up for the self-guided time slots and these can become full.
Favorite Dessert Shop Nearby: Matto Espresso. Everything in this coffee and pastry shop is $2. So it is a great spot to enjoy an iced vanilla latte and a cookie on a budget.
Governor’s Island
Governor’s Island is a car-free island just 800 yards from Lower Manhattan. Regardless of the historical sites, it is one of my favorite places to relax during the summer. Here you can picnic in the green spaces, ride a bike, or enjoy one of the many food trucks that park here in the summer. You can reach Governor’s Island by taking a ferry from Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan.
Once you are on Governor’s Island there are a few historic sites you can explore. Governor’s Island served as a military base from 1794-1966. You can tour Castle Williams, the circular sandstone fortress that was constructed in the 1800s to protect New York Harbor from naval attacks. Fort Jay is a star-shaped fort that was constructed in 1794.
You can join a ranger tour or take a self-guided tour of the sites. The two forts are open 10:00 am-4:30 pm on weekdays & 10:00 am-5:00 pm on weekends.
Favorite Dessert Shop Nearby: Mister Softee. This classic ice cream truck can be found serving cones at various spots on the island.
Ellis Island
While we are talking about islands I can’t ignore Ellis Island. This is one of NYC’s most recognizable historic attractions. From 1892-1954, 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island before reaching New York City. You can explore three floors of exhibits which take you through the journey immigrants experienced once they arrived on the island.
A self-guided audio tour is available to give you more information about this island’s interesting history. You can visit the island with a combination ticket that also takes you to see the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island. To purchase a tour ticket, visit the Statue Cruises website. Ellis Island is open daily from 9:30 am- 3:30 pm.
Favorite Dessert Shop Nearby: Milk Bar FiDi. I recently discovered my love for Milk Bar. This sweet shop was started by Momofuku’s pastry chef and they create delicious cakes and cereal milk soft serve. Get the B’day Cake Truffles.
Trinity Church
Trinity Church is a historic church near Wall Street. The first Trinity Church building, which was constructed in 1698, has been rebuilt several times. In 1869, the church was (for a brief time) the tallest building in the United States.
Alexander Hamilton and George Washington both worshiped at this church. Many notable historic figures, including Alexander Hamilton, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, and Phillip Hamilton are all buried in the church’s graveyard.
This church famously served as a place of refuge on September 11, 2001. Many of the pews were damaged on that day and were later replaced. One pew was preserved as a memorial to the victims of 9/11.
Visitors can walk through the historic graveyard but the main body of the church is currently closed for a 2-year renovation project. It is still worth a visit to the graveyard and to see the exterior of a church that witnessed so much of New York’s history.
Favorite Dessert Shop Nearby: Eataly NYC Downtown. This is an Italian marketplace filled with shops and restaurants. Here you can enjoy some delicious gelato or chocolate.
General Grant’s National Memorial
This large mausoleum in Upper Manhattan is the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. It is located on Riverside Drive so it is perfect to combine with a visit to Riverside Park.
The tomb was constructed with the help of donations that were raised by people all across the world. On April 27, 1897 the mausoleum was dedicated in front of one million attendants.
The mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and is only open during select times the rest of the week, so check the website for more information.
Favorite Dessert Shop Nearby: Hungarian Pastry Shop. Ok, you are going to need to travel a bit for this one, but I promise it’s worth it. Plus, this is closer to Colombia so you can also visit that campus while you are in the area. Enjoy some coffee, cookies, or a slice of cake.
City Hall
The New York City Hall is the oldest city hall building in the country that is still used for government functions. This National Historic Landmark was constructed between 1803-1812.
Both Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant laid in state under the building’s rotunda. City Hall also boasts an impressive collection of American art, including the 1805 portrait of Alexander Hamilton by John Trumbull which served as the source for the $10 bill image.
Individuals can take a tour of the building on Wednesdays at 12:00 pm or Thursdays at 10:00 am. Reservations can be made online.
Favorite Dessert Shop Nearby: Milk and Cream Cereal Bar. Again, hear me out, but you are going to have to travel a mile to get to this ice cream shop. But, if you love cereal + ice cream then this is worth the trek. Here you can choose your favorite childhood cereal to be swirled in some delicious soft serve. But, if you don’t want to go that far, you are also very close to Baked by Melissa.
Are you ready to tour some of the best historic sites in NYC? Or maybe you’ve just worked up an appetite for some dessert. Either way, I hope you enjoyed this guide! If you are spending some time in NYC check out these other guides:
30 Famous NYC Desserts You Need in Your Life
How to Score Discount Broadway Tickets
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Central Park
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